Fuji Excursion Train to Kawaguchiko 2026: Booking & Best Seats

If you're planning a trip from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko to witness the majestic Mount Fuji, you're likely choosing between the highway bus and the comfortable Fuji Excursion train.

While the Fuji Excursion train is almost twice the price of the bus, its spacious, comfortable seating and the opportunity to reserve a 'prime' seat with Mount Fuji views make it a consistently popular choice among travelers.

Booking Guide

The Fuji Excursion is a direct train that departs from Shinjuku Station and arrives at Kawaguchiko Station in about 2 hours. Reservations open 30 days before your travel date, starting at 10:00 AM JST.

While the official website might offer a slightly lower price, the registration and booking process can be a bit cumbersome. It's often worth paying the extra ~$1 to book through Klook for a smoother experience (especially if you're traveling with two people and can use their discount codes).

If you're booking on the official website, make sure to register and log in beforehand, then click 'Purchase Tickets'.

You can set the language to English. Please enter the departure and arrival stations in English. After entering your travel date, time, and number of passengers, click 'Search!'

Select the 4,200 JPY option.

To select your seats, click 'Select from seat map' and then choose your preferred spots.

For the journey from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, seats C and D (D being the window seat) are considered prime for views. When returning from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku, seats A and B are your best bet for scenic vistas!

Payment is only possible by card. A QR code will be sent to the email address you registered with, but you will still need to collect a physical ticket.

>Book on Klook Here<

If all this seems too much hassle, simply book through Klook!

Ticket Collection

Finding the ticket collection point can be surprisingly confusing! I once followed incorrect blog advice, sending me in circles and almost making me miss my train. From my experience navigating Shinjuku Station, Exit 3 is the closest. Other convenient exits include 4, 8, and the South Exit. Alternatively, heading towards the central area of Shinjuku Station should also lead you to ticket machines.

At the machine, select the 'QR Code Scan' option, then scan the QR code you received in your email.

Remember, you absolutely must collect a physical ticket. Boarding with just the QR code is not possible!

Where to Board

The boarding platforms are 9 and 10. Simply check the electronic display boards or your physical ticket for your specific platform number and board accordingly.

The seats are comparable to those found on Korea's KTX trains, offering good comfort. Luggage racks are located near the entrances and above the seats.

Even with a 'prime' seat booked, the clouds decided to play hide-and-seek with Mount Fuji throughout my journey – I didn't catch a single glimpse!

However, the moment we arrived in Kawaguchiko, the clouds began to clear beautifully. ❤️

Important Tips

If you're arriving at Shinjuku Station via a JR line from another station and using an IC card like Suica or Pasmo, it's crucial to tap out at Shinjuku Station! You need to exit the gate to complete your JR journey, then re-enter using your Fuji Excursion ticket. Failing to do so can result in additional charges. I was lucky; a Kawaguchiko Station staff member asked where I'd come from, and when I mentioned Shinjuku, they kindly processed it for me. I was incredibly grateful! 🥲

On my return trip to Tokyo, I opted for the highway bus. While it's cheaper, the Fuji Excursion train was definitely more comfortable. The bus seats felt quite cramped and uncomfortable.

For my next Mount Fuji adventure, I'll definitely be taking the Fuji Excursion again!

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